Christ on the Cross Between Saints John the Baptist and Francis of Assisi
Artist
Unknown
Previous Attribution
Gerard David
(Netherlandish, ca. 1460-1523)
Datelate 1400s
MediumOil on panel
DimensionsOverall: 26 1/2 x 16 3/4 in. (67.3 x 42.5 cm)
Overall, Frame: 33 1/4 x 23 3/8 in. (84.5 x 59.4 cm)
Overall, Frame: 33 1/4 x 23 3/8 in. (84.5 x 59.4 cm)
ClassificationsEuropean art
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number83.586
Terms
- Religion
- Saints
- Christ
- Crucifixion
- Saint John
- John the Baptist
- Saint Francis
- Brown
- Tan
- Green
- Red
- White
- Blue
Collections
On View
Not on viewLabel TextChrist on the Cross Between Saints John the Baptist and Francis of Assisi, late 1400s Flemish Oil on wood Neither John the Baptist nor Francis of Assisi were present at the Crucifixion, yet they flank Christ in this painting. The Baptist (on the left) preached about the coming of Jesus before his birth, and Francis miraculously received Christ’s wounds as a sign of his devotion in the 1200s (look at his hands and side). Rather than illustrating the specific moment of the Crucifixion, the painting transcends time and place, inviting viewers to contemplate the promise of their own salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. Those ideas are echoed in a tiny window in the distant building on the left. There, the resurrected Christ appears before the Virgin. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 83.586
14th century